Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has set a new benchmark at Manchester United by recording more assists in a single Premier League season than any other player in the club’s history. The Portuguese midfielder’s 16 assists this campaign have surpassed the previous record held by David Beckham from the 1999/00 season. Fernandes’ performance has been a beacon of hope for United since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, consistently demanding excellence from himself and his teammates.
Thierry Henry said: “He wanted the ball from Amad and I want to show that because people always used to kill him when they lose the game. That’s 3-1, still two minutes to go. He killed Amad.” When it was put to Henry that Fernandes’ criticism could be a flaw, the 48-year-old said: “No, that’s him. He will argue with his dad or with anyone. He argues with himself, he finds a way. What I’m trying to say to you is, even when he wins, he is like that. He demands excellence from himself and from his teammates. My name for him now is Braino Fernandes. This guy thinks. I love it – I’ve always liked him. What this guy has been doing in some difficult moments for Man Utd has been outstanding.”
Henry further elaborated on Fernandes’ footballing intelligence, describing it as his greatest asset. He emphasized the midfielder’s ability to control the speed of his brain, which allows him to outpace others on the field.
Thierry Henry said: “Speed without control is useless, but if you can control the speed of your brain, then you’re going to be faster than anyone on the field and this is what this guy (Fernandes) has in abundance. When [Kobbie] Mainoo controls the ball right now, normally you can make a run, but once again, ‘am I going to beat [Tyrone] Mings by pace here, with my speed?’ No, he’s not, but I can beat him with my brain. Mings thought he was going to go, because he scanned before, he’s gonna control the ball, and he can turn on the ball, he has time to be on his right foot, to be able to deliver that ball for Diogo Dalot. That’s just a little appetiser. Then in the second half, he decided to go ‘you know what? Like the kid that is the best in school, let me go and get the ball wherever I am and try to pass the ball forward.’ He’s gonna go into the path of Luke Shaw. ‘Give me the ball. I wanna play forward. It’s OK. I go and play as a nine now.'”
Fernandes’ role in United’s resurgence under interim manager Michael Carrick has been pivotal. His form has coincided with a strong run that has seen United climb to third in the league, positioning them well for a Champions League spot next season. The team is now six points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea and only seven points behind second-placed Manchester City. United’s next challenge is an away fixture against Bournemouth before the international break, followed by a home game against Leeds.
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